pedagogy. These philosophies will necessarily characterize the ways in which
ICT is incorporated into a school. A setting that is dominated by the teacher
as the main provider of subject content is adopting a teacher-centred philosophy.
The teacher controls the use of ICT in such a setting as well. A learnercentred
philosophy, by contrast, describes a setting where content comes from
a variety of resources, and where projects are chosen and designed by the students.
ICT tools and resources are selected by students in ways that match the
aims of a project best. These contrasting approaches to pedagogy are sometimes
referred to as instructivist and constructivist respectively.
Development plans and policies
How a school's vision and teaching philosophies are carried out is translated
into development plans and policies. In the detailed steps of such plans
and policies, goals and objectives are further defined providing interim and
long-term targets. Policies are set, a budget is allocated, facilities are determined,
roles are defined, tasks are delegated, and an evaluation plan is created
to define the direction ICT development will take.
Facilities and resources
The learning environment in which ICT is used requires certain facilities and
resources. Facilities include basic infrastructure such as electrical wiring,
Internet access, lighting, air-conditioning, and space. Decisions on inclusion or
lack of ergonomic design and choice of furniture impact not only on use of ICT,
but also on the health and well being of users. Resources include various types
of technological devices from computers with peripherals, video equipment, and
specialized tools like digital microscopes. Further resources include various
types of software, as well as traditional tools like books, videos, and audiotapes.
Understanding the curriculum
An understanding of the curriculum affects the progression of ICT in the
curriculum in following various stages of development. First, is an awareness
stage in which students become ICT literate with regard to what technology
is available and how it might be used. Second, as students learn
basic skills, they begin to apply various ICT tools to their regular learning
assignments and projects. Third, as students become more capable and
confident with ICT, they begin to integrate and overlap both subject areas
and tools. Last, is the applied use of ICT in which students are now enabled
to address larger, more complex, real-world professional issues.
Professional development of school staff
In parallel with the curriculum for students, there must be professional development
of the staff within a school. The personal productivity and professional
practice of teachers are enhanced with the use of ICT. First, is an awareness
stage in which teachers and staff become ICT literate with regard to what
technology is available and how it might be used. Second, as teachers and staff
learn basic skills, they begin to apply various ICT tools to their regular tasks
and projects. Third, as teachers and staff become more capable and confident
with ICT, they begin to integrate and overlap both subject areas and tools.
Last, is a change in professional practice in which teachers are now enabled to
design lessons to incorporate larger, more complex, real-world projects using
ICT tools and resources. As ICT is introduced into school systems, there is a
tendency to move from discrete skills training to reflective practice and integrative
professional development. Budgetary allocation and provision for
release time for teacher professional development seriously impact on the
ability of a school system to incorporate ICT in a meaningful way.
Community involvement
Community involvement may include parents, families, businesses, industry,
government agencies, private foundations, social, religious and professional
organizations, as well as other educational institutions such as vocational
schools and universities. Community involvement can come in the form of
donations of equipment and resources, or may be in human resources provided
for training and technical assistance. As a community contributes to a
school, so the school can give back in many ways. For example, a school may
decide to provide community members with evening access to computer
labs, or have students offer training to parents. The use of ICT provides an
opportunity for a school and its students to interact with both local and
global communities. Interaction may range from building web sites for
community organizations, to sharing projects with remote schools.
Assessment
Assessment includes both assessments of students as well as overall evaluation
of a school system, two aspects that are intricately interwoven. An
improvement in the one should predicate an improvement in the other.
Means of student assessment should reflect choices in learning pedagogy
and an understanding of ICT in the curriculum. For example, in the
emerging and applying stages of ICT, a